Dental Care Services for Pets

Cats and dogs can develop dental disease by the time they turn 2-years-old if a routine is not established. To protect your loyal companion from severe pain we recommend yearly dental exams and cleanings. Our team can help you keep your cat or dog’s teeth pearly white and prevent further infections that can affect the heart, liver, and kidneys.

What to expect for your cat or dog’s dental cleaning?

At Rimbey Veterinary Clinic, we view caring for your cat or dog as a partnership. As with all visits we will have a discussion with the pet parent to explain the procedure and learn more about the patient. Since professional cleanings will require anesthesia pre-anesthetic testing is necessary. We will also provide specific instructions to be followed before the day of the appointment. Anesthesia allows us to safely examine the entire oral cavity and use dental X-rays to look for hidden dental disease. You may also have to drop off your feline/canine pal early so our team can administer pre-meds or run tests as necessary.

The cleaning itself is very similar to the human experience. We will use dental tools to remove plaque and tartar and then polish the teeth. A dental probe is also used to look for infection around the tooth root and gum. From the X-rays we can determine if there are dental problems waiting to flare up and recommend extractions as needed.

What are signs that my pet has dental disease?

Here are some signs that your cat or dog may have dental disease:

1. Bad breath - an overwhelming smell can be caused by tooth decaying or periodontal disease
2. Excessive drooling
3. Yellow or brown buildup on their teeth
4. Swollen, red or bleeding gums
5. Blood on their chew toys
6. Chewing awkwardly
7. Unwilling to eat
8. Pawing at the face
9. Loose or broken tooth

Please call us today at 403-843-2234 if you have noticed these signs.

What are common dental conditions in cats and dogs?

Periodontal or dental disease is an umbrella term used to describe various health issues in the oral cavity. Cats and dogs can have similar dental problems such as gingivitis, plaque and tartar buildup, dental fractures and periodontitis, which is a severe gum disease. Additionally, cats may also develop tooth resorption where the dentin (center/hard tissue below the enamel) of the tooth wears down and is eventually destroyed. Tooth resorption begins when the enamel is broken down along the gum line until the tooth is entirely gone.

How can I care for my dog or cat’s dental health at home?

One of the best ways to protect your feline or canine’s teeth is to brush away plaque regularly. You should use a fingertip toothbrush and a pet toothpaste. Our team can demonstrate how to safely brush their teeth. We may also recommend the following to help maintain good dental health:

1. Water additives - an oral solution that can be added to their bowl. It keeps their breath fresh and kills plaque-building bacteria
2. Dental treats - these create a protective barrier around their teeth which makes it harder for tartar to develop
3. Dental diets - prescription dental foods can reduce dental disease by cleaning the surface of the teeth and reducing buildup